Arrests seem at odds with Columbia law

11:08 PM,
Oct. 4, 2012

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In Columbia, the words "arrested" and "for possessing less than 35 grams of marijuana" typically don't appear in the same sentence.

Voters there passed an ordinance in 2004 limiting the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The law - which inspired the Springfield initiative petition City Council recently deep-sixed - says anyone caught with less than 35 grams "shall not be required to post bond, suffer arrest, (or) be taken into custody for any purpose ?"

They should be detained only in order to be written a ticket, according to the law, which contains exceptions for those ...